Electric-Guitar Recording

Most engineers would agree that miking a good-sounding tube amp is the preferred method for recording electric guitar. However, there are plenty of other techniques, some of which are particularly advantageous in personal-studio settings.

One of the most effective alternative strategies is to utilize an amp-modeling software plug-in. Although many would argue that such products don't produce tones that are on par with a well-miked amp, it's hard to quibble with their convenience and versatility. Hardware-based modelers offer many of the same advantages.

But what if you're one of those people who can't stomach the idea of digitally produced guitar tones but have an apartment-based studio in which a blasting amp would be grounds for eviction? Not to worry, there is a range of gear available that will allow you to record quietly without sacrificing much in the way of tone.

To help shed light on these and other guitar-recording subjects, here are several article recommendations from the EM archives.

October 01, 1999, Electronic Musician, by Myles Boisen A must read for anyone interested in recording electric guitars, this article takes you from the basics of single-mic techniques all the way through complex multiple-mic and multiple-room scenarios.

December 01, 2003, Electronic Musician, by Orren Merton A selection of low-volume alternatives that don't require that you sacrifice the sound of real tubes. Included are explanations of attenuators, power-tube adapters, Variacs (variable AC transformers), micropower tube amps, and isolation boxes, among others.

Stack in the BoxFive modeling plug-ins that will make your DAW roar like a tube amp.